ARCANUM – Regan Christ’s dream of playing Division I baseball became reality as the Arcanum senior officially signed to continue his academic and athletic career with the Ohio University Bobcats.
“It was always my dream,” Christ said. “I’m really excited my dream came true.”
Christ, the son of Amanda and Cameron Christ, made his commitment early and will study accounting while competing at the NCAA Division I level. The decision, he said, felt right from the start.
“I really like the campus — the campus is awesome,” Christ said. “They have a new coaching staff, and a lot of people I trust say good things about the program. It will be a good spot for me to develop and meet my potential where I can grow the most.”
Arcanum head baseball coach Randy Baker said Christ’s dedication to the game has set him apart throughout his high school career.
“Regan is a really good ball player — great work ethic and dedication to baseball and the program,” Baker said. “After his freshman year, he dedicated himself to baseball. He plays a lot during the summer, and he’s always in the weight room — first one in and the last one to leave.”
That commitment has translated into production on the field. Christ was named the Western Ohio Athletic Conference Player of the Year as a junior and earned First Team All-Conference honors as a freshman and sophomore.
On the mound during his junior season, Christ posted a 1.225 ERA across 40 innings, striking out 75 batters while recording three wins and two saves. At the plate, he hit .366 with 26 hits, including seven doubles and a triple, drove in 21 runs, and stole 11 bases.
Through his first three varsity seasons, Christ has compiled a 1.224 career ERA in 143 innings pitched, striking out 212 batters with 16 wins and five saves. Offensively, his three-year totals include a .364 batting average, 83 hits, 20 doubles, two triples, 53 RBI, 32 walks, and 29 stolen bases.
Christ’s signing marks a milestone for the Arcanum baseball program. He is the school’s first Division I baseball signee since Connor Pohl, a 2016 graduate who signed with The Ohio State University and became a four-year starter for the Buckeyes. Pohl now serves as an assistant coach at Arcanum and played a key role in guiding Christ through the recruiting process.
“It’s nice to have a DI player, especially on the mound,” Pohl said. “A guy that can shut opponents down. Every time we roll him out there, we expect a win.”
Baker echoed that sentiment, emphasizing both Christ’s talent and character.
“It’s huge for him,” Baker said. “It shows all the hard work he’s put into it, and nobody deserves it more. He has a lot of talent — he could play any sport here — but he’s dedicated himself to baseball. He’s one of a kind.”
Arcanum Superintendent John Stephens praised Christ’s commitment in the classroom as well.
“He’s an extremely hard-working student-athlete,” Stephens said. “I like to put the student first because he understands the value of what you need to do academically. He’s a great example of what our baseball program represents — from a baseball town that has shown success over the years, our best can hang with anybody.”
Regan credits Pohl as both a mentor and role model.
“He’s been great for me,” Christ said. “He’s given me advice, he’s been there, and he’s held me accountable. He’s definitely been a big part of this.”
Pohl believes Regan is well prepared for the demands of Division I athletics.
“Expectations are a little different,” Pohl said. “They expect your grades and everything you do to be at a higher level. Regan does a really good job managing his time — his schoolwork, lifting, and everything else. I think he’s going to be a really good fit.”
As he reflected on the journey, Christ made sure to thank those closest to him.
“I want to thank everybody involved in this process, but most importantly my parents,” Christ said. “They sacrificed endlessly for me and my brother Jaxson. Everything they did was for us. For this to finally happen is awesome. I’m really grateful — and I love Coach Baker.”
